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BORN
1930
DIED
2019
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Donald Woolley Obituary
Donald Preston Woolley
"Friendly he and full of fun...an athlete liked by everyone"
Born in Newark, NJ September 13, 1930, Don left us with the best of memories on October 29, 2019 at his home in St. Augustine, Florida.
Don is predeceased by his parents, Preston & Marjorie Woolley as well as his beloved son Christopher Woolley USCG.
He lives on in the memories of his wife and love, Kathleen Woolley as well as his daughter Cathy Petillo (Anthony), daughter Casey Shaw, his brother Richard Woolley (Dottie), Sister in law Patricia Dolan(Thomas),grandchildren Brittney Puccio(Thomas), Christopher Petillo, Kirsen Moore(Peter),Skyler Doherty, Lauren Kendall (James), Jennifer Phillips(Wayne) ,7 great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews and countless friends.
Don was raised in Cranford, NJ where he was a high school track and football star, he graduated from Ithaca College, NY with a degree in Physical Education. He also served as a Sgt. in the US Army from 1953 to 1955.
He moved then to Long Island NY where he stayed for 35 years as a Physical Education teacher and Coach extraordinaire for Soccer, Wrestling and Track at Sachem High School. His teams achieved many League and State Championships....Woolley Field still bears his name.
Graveside services will take place at Calverton National Cemetery, NY at a later date.
Please check the cemetery website for date and time.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Donald Woolley
Sponsored by The St. Augustine Record.
Patricia Gundersen
October 25, 2020
Don Willie asked my father if he had a son home like me cuz he was watching me play field hockey at the time my father said no that is my son
Carol Edington
December 2, 2019
Mr. Woolley was a chaperone on our 1962 class trip to Washington,DC. I remember feeling sick in the Capital Building and Mr. Woolley stayed with me for at least an hour, until I felt better. I never forgot his kindness. He was a remarkable man. RIP
Jim Radosta
November 10, 2019
Newsday...
https://www.newsday.com/sports/high-school/don-woolley-obit-sachem-1.38377794
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Jim Radosta
November 10, 2019
There will be a graveside service at 1:30 p.m. on Nov. 18 at Calverton National Cemetery.
November 9, 2019
Mr Woolley was a great man..everyone loved him..my husband Dave and his bro. Bryan St Louis enjoyed playing football with him and the others. our sincere condolences to you and all the family, Love Susan Thomson St Louis
Jim Radosta
November 7, 2019
Sachem Patch...
https://patch.com/new-york/sachem/don-woolley-sachems-original-coaching-legend
November 7, 2019
Sachem Patch about Don Woolley...
https://patch.com/new-york/sachem/don-woolley-sachems-original-coaching-legend
John H. Hall
November 6, 2019
Mr. Woolley was more than a "teacher", he was a mentor and advisor to many. Four years after graduating from Sachem I went into the army. Mr. Woolley gave me his home phone number if I had difficulty in basic and advance infantry training and just wanted to talk to someone who had the army experience. He was not acting as a teacher, he was just concerned about people. I thanked him when I was discharged, he set an example for many. Thank you, John H. Hall, class of 1961.
Nancy Armstrong
November 3, 2019
You were certainly one of a kind. I have so many wonderful memories of you. Rest in peace my friend.
Joan Zipfel
November 3, 2019
Don was a wonderful and caring person. Always quick with a smile and a pleasure to know. His retirement party was a prime example of how well thought of Don was. About 30 of the women faculty, of which I was one ,did a special dance to Woolly woolly ,as a special gift to a very special man. With deepest sympathy to Kathy and family. Joan Rozzini Zipfel
jim burke
November 3, 2019
Coach Woolley was the dad I never had. A wonderful kind gentle man who was always available when you needed a nudge or sound advice. A true stateman for humanity. I will always remember him as he called me the wayward youth due to my adventures away from home. Tough as nails but as kind as a gentle lamb. Anyone who has ever come into contact with Coach Woolley will never forget him. Go in peace Coach.
Rhonda Hagland
November 3, 2019
Awe RIP Mr Woolley what a sweet man he was back in my high school days at Sachem. I had his wife Mrs Woolley for home-ech a wonderful woman too. It was always so sweet when Mr Woolley would stop in class to see his wife teaching us. My prayers go out to the entire family.
Jim Rudge
November 3, 2019
Great coach. Pushed us hard but fair. RIP coach.
Joseph Fierro
November 3, 2019
If you knew him, you had to love him. He was a wonderful, kind, funny, dedicated teacher and coach. He will be missed by all who knew him.
Rest in peace Mr. Wooley. A life well lived and a beloved gentleman.
Joe Fierro,
Class of '83
Sachem
Richard Ardito
November 2, 2019
My coach for soccer and wrestling, We won the Suffolk County Championship that year. One game I got hurt , he came to me and said , I know players give there sweat playing but not there blood as you did. We laughed. RIP
November 2, 2019
A kind and patient man. Thank you coach. You were one of the best mentors Sachem HS ever had.
November 2, 2019
I first met Don when I arrived from Wales in January 1960 at the age of 14. I was placed in the 11th grade. I recall his first words, do you play Soccer that year we were Suffolk County Champions. A wonderful teacher, coach but most of all a great friend. My wife Diane and I send our love and deepest sympathy to all the family. He will be sadly missed by everyone. Finally may I say, Don Woolley, THE MAN, THE MYTH, THE LEGEND.
Angela Cocozzau
November 2, 2019
Don was my favorite teacher at Sachem. He was my homeroom teacher in 1959. He was always happy to see his students. He would call me Lamb Bone because I wore a lamb bone around my neck on a chain. I guess it was a fad those days. When I remember my time at Sachem it is always with Mr. Woolley. May he Rest In Peace. Angela Cannata Cocozza.
Patricia Gundersen
November 1, 2019
Is still really was the best influence on the young fellows that came in contact with him even if they didn't play sports he was the best they rest in peace
Peter Charneco
November 1, 2019
Will always remember him as a great teacher talking about his time in the military and showing us the bayonet scar that almost ended his life. Rip Mr Woolley knowing you left behind a legacy of memories. Peter Charneco Class of 84
Palmer Short
November 1, 2019
Don was one my favorite people to play golf with. He would stand by the first tee and announce who was ready to tee off giving a fake history of their last win etc. Great sense of humor. We would trade tales about our experiences in Korea. I wish I would have kept up our friendship. Gonna miss you Don. My sincere condolences to Kathleen and family.
October 31, 2019
Don was a beloved friend to Dick and I. We loved him so much. May God Bless him and watch over him.
Love Dick and Julie Deppoliti
George Krouse
October 31, 2019
Don was my soccer coach at Sachem, and a friend and mentor. I will always remember and treasure his kindness and encouragement. I am sure his family is justifiably proud of the wonderful man he was and the admirable life he lived.
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